Community

Maya Spiteri (above) is the niece of Parrot Planet volunteer Sara Walter. Following in her aunt’s footstep, Maya loves to visit the shop and is a member of the bird club at her High School. Maya is pictured with Ariel the Toucan, who was surrendered to us after her loving owner died. Ariel is very much loved by all customers and staff and is very sweet.
Photos courtesy of Sara Walter

Volunteering Time at Parrot Planet and the Wing Foundation

By Shaunna Boyd
Posted: 2/27/2015

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Local Rancho Cordova resident Sara Walter (founder of the Rancho Cordova Watch) loves parrots, and her passion for these beautiful creatures prompted her to volunteer her time at Parrot Planet. Established in 2013, Parrot Planet evolved from a parrot rescue service, the Wing Foundation (www.thewingfoundation.org). Dana Strome, an ardent parrot lover and parrot advocate, is a founder of both services.

Over a period of 20 years, Strome has rescued and re-homed over 800 parrots at her sole expense, with no re-homing fees required. Strome saw that too often parrots were sold with little to no regard for either their or their human counterparts’ compatibility, welfare, or environment. This often contributed to many of the parrots ultimately having to find new homes. From this came a call to action resulting in the advocating of “The Parrot Bill of Rights,” exclusion of certain parrots for sale, and the evolution of a completely new breed of parrot retail venue—Parrot Planet.

By Susan Maxwell Skinner
Posted: 2/27/2015

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - There is more to ornithology than binoculars and obliging birds: Add a nature preserve resonant with avian song, throw in an expert docent, and garnish with a breakfast fit for a kingfisher. You then have the Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s most popular spring event. “Bird and Breakfast” is served Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd at the center’s facility in Ancil Hoffman Park. Reservations are required; the two-day fundraiser sells out every year.

Mercy’s Carolyn Getman Honored at Carmichael Event

By Susan Maxwell Skinner
Posted: 2/27/2015

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Neonatologist Carolyn Getman is among community leaders whom the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce will celebrate as 2015 citizens of the year.

The nomination, said Getman (57), is an unexpected perk following 25 years as a physician. For the last 15 years, she has directed the Mercy San Juan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that will mark a quarter-century of service this year. “We’re tucked away here in our little world,” she said. “Even in this hospital, many people don’t know what we do. But we know how important it is.”

By Susan Maxwell Skinner
Posted: 2/20/2015

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - WW II veteran Earl “Jack” Koobs helped raise a monument that became one of the nation’s first memorials to those who fell in the Vietnam War. The community leader died on February 9th from injuries sustained after a fall at home. He was 94.

Known as “Ranger Jack” to generations of students and friends, the teacher is himself immortalized by the Earl J. Koobs Nature Area. This Engle Road oasis is held in perpetuity for environmental education; it also hosts regular veteran ceremonies.

Deer Creek Hills Preserve Offers Three Fun Outings in One Day

Posted: 2/20/2015

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Valley Conservancy (SVC) is offering three fun outings in one day: a taste of Deer Creek Hills hike, winter birding on upland grasslands, and a guided equestrian ride. The meeting place for each outing is Eagle Camp Corral at the Deer Creek Hills Preserve, 15489 Latrobe Road, Sloughhouse, CA 95683. All three of these outings will be held on Saturday, February 21st. Register online for these events at www.sacramentovalleyconservancy.org/calendar.asp.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Something other than food was cooking when celebrity restaurateurs recently showed up at two Sacramento-area schools. Indeed, inspiration was on the menu.

At Leo A. Palmiter High in Arcade, 30 teenage culinary students heard about how Bobby Coyote started out as a soda jerk and now operates his own restaurant chain, how Chris Jarosz washed enough dishes to eventually own several food trucks and three restaurants (one of which is a fixture in West Sacramento), and how Mikki Stevens started out as a hostess and now directs operations for the company that runs Johnny Rockets franchises.

Posted: 2/13/2015

Umbrellas will be on display at the SFAC from March 24th until March 28th and will be displayed in conjunction with the Effie Yeaw Nature Exhibit from May 12th until May 16th. An Artists Reception will be held on Friday, May 15th from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Local artists are invited to design unique, one-of-a-kind umbrellas for “Shades of Carmichael,” a fundraiser for the Sacramento Fine Arts Center (SFAC) and the Carmichael Recreation and Park District (CRPD).

To reserve an umbrella, call Margaret at (916) 704-8611 or the SFAC at (916) 971-3713. Artists may work individually, in partnerships, or in groups. Artists can also attend paint days at SFAC where some paints will be provided (dates of paint days are TBA). The deadline for completed umbrellas is March 16th.